David Seelinger, Chairman and CEO of EmpireCLS, said in a statement: "As ECPAT's first transportation partner, this partnership will increase awareness within our industry and inspire other companies to join the cause. As a father, I can't express how much concern is placed on my own children's safety. We all must do our part to find an end to this global crime."

In the U.S., an estimated 300,000 youth are at risk of becoming victims of trafficking annually. In a recent cross-country single sting operation, 168 American children were identified as victims of trafficking and 281 traffickers were arrested.

EmpireCLS formally announced the partnership and signed the Code on July 29 with ECPAT-USA representatives during the 2014 Global Business Travel Association Convention.

"It's exciting to see a new industry taking the lead and we congratulate EmpireCLS on their groundbreaking work," said Michelle Guelbart, Director of Private Sector Engagement of ECPAT-USA. "EmpireCLS' efforts are an innovative step forward in the fight to protect children."

As part of the new partnership, EmpireCLS will implement a new companywide policies and procedures about protecting children, including a training program for its employees. "In conjunction with ECPAT, we are developing a training initiative to roll out later this year that will inform our staff about children's rights, the prevention of sexual exploitation and how to report suspected cases," Seelinger said.

EmpireCLS will also include verbiage into contracts about its zero-tolerance policy against trafficking, advising business partners of its commitment to child protection.

For additional information about the Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct and how your company can be involved in ending child slavery at the source, visit www.ecpatusa.org/code.

About ECPAT-USA: ECPAT-USA is the leading policy organization in the United States seeking to end the commercial, sexual exploitation of children through awareness, advocacy, policy, and legislation. ECPAT-USA is a member of the ECPAT International network, with offices in 73 countries. Information:www.ecpatusa.org/code or contact Michelle Guelbart at (718) 935-9192 [email protected]

About EmpireCLS: Founded in 1980, Empire International launched what would become the industry standard for worldwide ground transportation service. Founded in 1981, CLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services became the premier car service for CEOs and the entertainment and media elite in Hollywood and Beverly Hills. The two companies merged in 2005 to form EmpireCLS, based in Secaucus, N.J. On call and in demand in over 700 cities globally, EmpireCLS' approach to ground transportation is sought after by CEOs, dignitaries, executives and entertainers around the world. Information:www.empirecls.com or contact [email protected]

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